The synthetic oleanane triterpenoid CDDO is a Nrf2 activator that inhibits proliferation and induces differentiation and apoptosis in various cancer cells. CDDO-TFEA is a trifluoroethylamide derivative of CDDO with enhanced ability to cross the blood brain barrier. It has been shown to enhance Nrf2 expression and signaling in various models of neurodegeneration, including those that simulate multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. CDDO-TFEA induces apoptosis of Ewing’s sarcoma and neuroblastoma cell lines, preventing colony formation at IC50 values ranging from 85-170 nM.
